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How to deal with acne, at any age

So this isn’t a very festive article, but acne always loves to spoil the fun… Acne is a complicated medical condition that affects approximately 85 per cent of adolescents. However, it’s not just a teen problem – 30 per cent of adults between 20 and 60 are still suffering from breakouts. Research shows that only 30 per cent of sufferers consult a doctor or skin specialist for their condition.

What causes acne?

Skin breakouts and blackheads occur when follicles become blocked with a build up of dead skin cells, oil, dirt or makeup.

When the follicle is blocked an excess of oil accumulates and due to this ‘blockage’ is unable to drain, so bacteria grows and causes an inflammatory response in the skin.

Mild, moderate or severe acne can occur on the face, shoulders, chest or back and if left untreated can lead to acne scars and even depression.

How can you treat acne?

Acne requires us to remove the buildup of dead skin cells in order to unblock follicles. Depending on the grade of acne will determine the treatment that will be performed.

Our belief is that no one treatment works on its own. Different methods suit different people and it’s vital to manage your treatment at home in combination with your specialist appointments.

During this consultation, you will be advised on diet, medication and appropriate topical treatments, as well as clinic treatments aiming at clearing your acne.

Prescriptions for antibiotic or topical preparations such as Retinol (Vitamin A1) based creams, gels or oral medication will be given at this appointment, if required and progress should be measured at 90-day intervals.

Acne Management Treatment

Once you’ve cleared acne, it’s also really important to manage your skin to prevent further breakouts.

Depending on skin condition, treatment may include Blue Light LED treatments, Microhydrabrasion, Peels and extractions.

Jodie’s skin basics for clearer skin:

Be Disciplined – establish a regime of cleansing your skin twice a day, without fail, with the correct product

Don’t Pick – avoid the temptation to avoid scarring. Touching your skin with unclean hands can also clog the skin further and make it worse

Don’t scrub! Using scrubs and abrasive exfoliators can add to inflammation and make your skin worse. Use gentle cleansers or a brush cleanser with a gel or cream wash.